comparecer

to appear (in court)

verb kohm-pah-reh-SEHR Less Common

Origin: From Latin comparere (to appear before), from com- + parere (to appear).

Also means

to attend a summons

Usage Note

Comparecer is a formal legal verb meaning to appear before a court or authority when summoned. Comparecer ante el juez means 'to appear before the judge'. It conjugates like conocer (yo comparezco in the present). Outside legal contexts it is rarely used; aparecer serves for everyday appearances.

Examples

"El acusado debe comparecer mañana ante el tribunal."

Natural Translation

The accused must appear before the court tomorrow.

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